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Resolving the base of the pyramid inclusion paradox through supplier development

Author

Listed:
  • Carolin Brix‐asala

    (Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg)

  • Stefan Seuring

    (Universität Kassel [Kassel])

  • Philipp C Sauer

    (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)

  • Axel Zehendner
  • Lara Schilling

    (Universität Kassel [Kassel])

Abstract

Resulting from divergent business environments between actors, the integration of the base of the pyramid (BoP) into formal supply chain (SC) structures is often hampered by institutional voids, which can result in the emergence of paradoxical situations. This paper analyzes the potential of supplier development (SD) for addressing the BoP inclusion paradox. The study develops a framework based on the assumption that SD enables the development of capabilities and supplier performance, which is especially relevant when operating in BoP contexts. Seventy-two semi-structured interviews stemming from two case studies of (a) a local dairy and (b) an international certified pineapple SCs with BoP involvement provide empirical insights into the theoretical framework. Paradox resolution strategies (temporal separation, spatial separation, and synthesis) are related to (direct and indirect) SD practices. The proposed framework and results show that indirect SD can be used as temporal and spatial separation, but not as synthesis strategy. Contrastingly, direct SD can be used as temporal separation and synthesis. The BoP context needs direct SD to address two sustainability goals simultaneously: the social dimension of BoP inclusion and the economic dimension of formal and efficient SCs. This research extends the discussion on paradoxes in sustainability management to SCs, especially to BoP SCs. It is relevant to show that BoP inclusion is neither a sole win-win nor trade-off scenario. Resulting paradoxical situations can be addressed by SD, thereby moving to sustainable supply chain management (SSCM).

Suggested Citation

  • Carolin Brix‐asala & Stefan Seuring & Philipp C Sauer & Axel Zehendner & Lara Schilling, 2021. "Resolving the base of the pyramid inclusion paradox through supplier development," Post-Print hal-03891218, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03891218
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2798
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-03891218
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Garima Sharma & Anand Kumar Jaiswal, 2018. "Unsustainability of Sustainability: Cognitive Frames and Tensions in Bottom of the Pyramid Projects," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 148(2), pages 291-307, March.
    2. Carolin Brix-Asala & Anne-Kristin Geisbüsch & Philipp Christopher Sauer & Patrick Schöpflin & Axel Zehendner, 2018. "Sustainability Tensions in Supply Chains: A Case Study of Paradoxes and Their Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Carolin Brix-Asala & Anne-Kristin Geisbüsch & Philipp Christopher Sauer & Patrick Schöpflin & Axel Zehendner, 2018. "Sustainability Tensions in Supply Chains: A Case Study of Paradoxes and Their Management," Post-Print hal-03891228, HAL.
    4. Zhang, Jiayuan & Yalcin, Mehmet G. & Hales, Douglas N., 2021. "Elements of paradoxes in supply chain management literature: A systematic literature review," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Leeza De Silva & Nihal Jayamaha & Elena Garnevska, 2023. "Sustainable Farmer Development for Agri-Food Supply Chains in Developing Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-20, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    bottom of the pyramid; fair trade; institutional voids; paradox theory; supplier development; sustainability tensions;
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